The WWE Universe is mourning the loss of another legend as Mean Gene Okerlund died Wednesday at the age of 76.
The news was originally revealed by his son Tor Okerlund as he said his father died near his home in Osprey, Florida.
Mean Gene Okerlund cause of death
When asked about Gene Okerlund’s cause of death, Tor told the Associated Press (via ESPN) that his father had received three kidney transplants recently and fell a few weeks ago.
Tor then said that “it just kind of went from bad to worse.”
Gene Okerlund died with his wife Jeanne by his side at a hospital in Sarasota, Florida.
Wrestlers respond to Mean Gene Okerlund death
Mean Gene Okerlund was a mainstay in the world of professional wrestling — and more importantly in the WWE.
He was a backstage interviewer in an era where he played as much a role in the interviews as the wrestlers themselves.
#ThankYouMeanGene pic.twitter.com/NovQBdFJ5N
— WWE (@WWE) January 2, 2019
Any wrestling fan from the ’80s and ’90s know all about Hulk Hogan starting out his interviews with “Well, let me tell to Mean Gene” and even AJ Styles pulled out that line when Okerlund was in a recent segment on the Monday Night Raw anniversary special.
That was Okerlund’s last televised WWE appearance (Jan. 22, 2018).
Mean Gene I love you my brother HH
— Hulk Hogan (@HulkHogan) January 2, 2019
One Of My Closest Friends Since 1972 Until This Very Sad Day In 2019. Not Only The Greatest Voice And Personality In The History Of Announcing, But A Man Who Touched Everyone’s Life Who Were Fortunate Enough To Know Him. Rest In Peace Knowing No One Will Ever Replace You. pic.twitter.com/i7illbxQgw
— Ric Flair® (@RicFlairNatrBoy) January 2, 2019
In his later years, Mean Gene Okerlund was a guest for WWE events on TV and took part in the WWE Network original series Legends’ House with stars like the late great Rowdy Roddy Piper.
Gene Okerlund was also still attending wrestling conventions in 2018.
So sad today to hear of the sudden passing of my dear friend @TheGeneOkerlund
I just saw Mean Gene in North Carolina at WrestleCade.
It’s so true that our tomorrow’s are never guaranteed.
Say hello to Jan, Mean Gene. 🙏 pic.twitter.com/PQ4ZZGmXnx
— Jim Ross (@JRsBBQ) January 2, 2019
Just heard Mean Gene Okerlund has passed away. As an interviewer, pitch man, announcer, or host, he was untouchable. Simply the best. Total professional with quick wit, sarcasm, humor, and that golden voice.
Condolences to his friends and family.— Steve Austin (@steveaustinBSR) January 2, 2019
So sad to hear of the passing of our friend, Mean Gene Okerlund.
I'll always remember Gene with a smile on his face and a drink in his hand and always wanting to help. His was "The Voice" of @WWE RIP Gene. pic.twitter.com/tgS1Yy3VpA— Jerry Lawler (@JerryLawler) January 2, 2019
Jesse The Body Ventura spoke to the Minneapolis Star Tribune and said that Mean Gene Okerlund was the “best at what he did, the best straight man interviewer in wrestling history.”
Gene Okerlund was part of the 2006 WWE Hall of Fame class.
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